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Despite the sad news that the Head of the Dog 2014 was cancelled due to Blue Green Toxic Algae, we were graced with the enthusiasm of our friends from Alaska. They spent hours preparing for their trip to race with us at the HOD and Row for the Cure. That clearly did not squash their smiles as seen in this great photo – thanks so much!

After deliberation with USRowing officials, referees and the greater Portland Rowing community, we have reluctantly decided to cancel the Head of the Dog Regatta and invite rowers to an open house event on the Multnomah channel at the Portland Boat Club on Saturday morning. The State of Oregon Public Health Division Toxic Blue-Green Algae advisory remains in affect through the weekend and with conditions not expected to improve soon. Although the risk to referees, volunteers, participants, and organizers may be somewhat debatable it is also not fully understood or even measured with regard to the HOTD course and so we are taking this extra precaution. This is a highly unusual situation; we have never had to cancel the Head of the Dog under such circumstances before.

Please join us for an open house from 8am to noon to enjoy some recreational fun, please bring costumes, and a picnic. We still want to see your costumes, will award the winner as in previous years to keep this tradition going as well as set up the self serve photo booth to share with your friends.

Refunds are available upon request. Details will be posted shortly. T-shirts orders will still be honored.

The Head of the Dog is a three mile head race, a costume competition, and a fun picnic — all rolled into one. Hosted by the Portland Boat club, the race course is on the Multnomah Channel. We have planned a few changes to improve the racing and picnic experience this year, including a new race structure to minimize waiting on the water. We’ll run two separate start waves, one for singles only, and a second for doubles, quads, and fours (schedule below). Boats will launch from Portland Boat Club and row to the start. Spectators will have premium viewing of the finish line from the boathouse. Costumes are optional and highly encouraged! Food and awards round out the festivities after the race. Also this year racers and fans will enjoy our self-serve photo booth with backdrop and lights. So bring your camera/phone and capture the fun!

T-Shirts
T-shirts are available on a pre-order basis for $18/each at Regatta Central
The deadline for t-shirt orders is Friday, September 12.
We will only have a limited number of t-shirts for sale on race day.

The 60+ women’s 8+ is setting their sites on the Head of the Charles 2014 despite their second place finish in the San Diego Classic last month. They lost by just 3 seconds to San Diego for the first time in many years.

Entries are now open at Regatta Central: singles, doubles, quads/fours! And paddlers! Juniors, masters, and those in-between! Costumes (optional but o so much fun)! Rowing on the calm and interesting waters of the Multnomah Channel (like last year)! Only $20 a seat!

This year like last we are featuring but one flight of rowers, with breaks between boat classes. And camaraderie, fun, and a chance to warm up for Row for the Cure held the next day in downtown Portland.